Prince of Orange Geranium Pelargonium 'Princeanum' (Sc)

Water

Geraniums prefer to be watered thoroughly but infrequently, which means you should water until the excess drains from the bottom of the pot and then wait until the soil is dry to the touch before watering again. During the growing season, this might equate to about once a week, but always check the soil moisture first. It's difficult to specify an exact amount of water as it largely depends on the environment and the size of the plant, but start with about 16 ounces and adjust as necessary. Indoor geraniums in the winter will require less water, possibly every other week.

Light

Geraniums, including Pelargonium 'Princeanum', thrive best in bright, indirect light. A spot near a sunny window where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily is ideal. Direct sun might be too intense and can lead to leaf scorch, so a bit of a shade during the hottest part of the day should be provided to prevent damage.

Temperature

Geraniums are quite temperature tolerant but perform best with daytime temperatures around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures no lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit but will start to suffer if it gets colder than freezing.

Pruning

Prune geraniums to remove dead or yellow leaves and spent blooms to encourage new growth and promote a bushy, attractive shape. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season as needed to remove unsightly or damaged foliage.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For Pelargonium 'Princeanum', commonly known as scented geraniums, the best soil mix is one that is well-draining, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and compost at a ratio of 2:1:1. The ideal soil pH for scented geraniums should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Scented geraniums should be repotted annually to encourage healthy growth and to refresh the soil. They may need more frequent repotting if they are growing rapidly or if the soil has become compacted.

Humidity & Misting

Scented geraniums prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable to various indoor conditions. Aim for a humidity level between 30% to 60% for optimal plant health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Choose a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Pelargonium 'Princeanum'—commonly known as the Prince of Orange Geranium—begins its life with seed germination in well-draining, warm soil. Seedlings emerge and grow into juvenile plants, which develop true leaves characteristic of geraniums, alongside a robust root system. As the plant matures, it branches out and becomes bushier, setting buds that will bloom profusely in the right conditions. The flowering stage is marked by clusters of small, layered flowers in a range of colors that can include shades of pink, red, or white, often with a pleasant citrus fragrance. After pollination, which may be encouraged by insects or gardeners, the plant sets seed in small capsules that can be harvested once they dry on the plant. Eventually, as a perennial, it enters a dormant phase during colder months, reducing growth, to then regrow from the rootstock with the return of warmer weather.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• The most popular method for propagating a Pelargonium 'Princeanum', commonly known as a Scented Geranium, is through stem cuttings. Typically, the best time to take cuttings is in late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select healthy, non-flowering stems that are about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters) in length. Cut just below a leaf node, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring the leaf nodes where you removed leaves are buried. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and provide bright, indirect light until roots develop, which usually takes about 4 to 8 weeks. Once rooted, cuttings can be potted up individually to grow on into mature plants.